Spring-Summer Safety Brochure - IMCOM Safety Office

Family Readiness Flammables ................................................... 18 & Natural Disasters...........................................4 Electrical Safety And Heat Sources.......... 19 Military Family Preparedness ..................4 Escaping A Fire: EDITH— Considerations For All Military Exit Drills In The Home................................. 19 Personnel And Families ..........................5 Cooking Fire Safety ................................20 If You’re Stationed Outside the Safe Cooking Behaviors ..............................20 Continental United States (OCONUS) ....6 Family Emergency Plan ............................7 If Your Clothes Catch Fire ...........................20 Prepare Strong .........................................9 How And When To Fight Cooking Fires.... 21 Hurricanes ................................................9 Poison Safety Checklist..........................22 How To Prepare For A Hurricane..................9 Medication .....................................................22 What To Do If There Is A Hurricane.......... 10 Household Products ....................................22 What To Do After A Hurricane.................... 11 Safety Procedures ........................................22 Tornados .................................................12 Medicine Cabinet Clutter ............................23 How To Prepare For A Tornado ..................12 Home Appliance Safety ..........................24 What To Do If There Is A Tornado............. 13 General Safety Rules For Appliances........24 ildfires .................................................14 W Lawn Mowers ..........................................24 How To Prepare For A Wildfire ................... 14 Know Your Mower..........................................24 What To Do If There Is A Wildfire .............. 15 Gasoline-Powered Mowers— Fill The Tank Safely ........................................24 Household Safety............................................16 Electric Mowers— Dialing Emergency Telephone Numbers Prevent Electrical Shock...............................24 (Using Land Lines And Cell Phones) ....16 Home Fire Prevention Dress For Safety.............................................24 And Preparedness.................................17 Clear The Area ........................................24 Facts .................................................................17 Garden Sprays Safety Checklist ............25 Smoke Detectors ...........................................17 Handling Garden Chemicals......................25 Fire Extinguishers ......................................... 18 First Aid............................................................25 Storage ............................................................25 Barbecue Grill Safety .............................26 Before Cooking..............................................26 Cooking With Propane (LP) Gas Grills ......26 Cooking With Charcoal Grills.........26 Flare-Ups............................................272 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Animal and Spider Bites ........................27 Don’t Risk Injury ............................................40 Who Is Most At Risk...................................... 27 Hand Tools......................................................40 Preventing Dog Bites....................................28 Working Under Automobiles ......................40 First Aid............................................................28 Ladder Safety ........................................41 Spiders ...................................................29 Travel Safety .....................................................42 Preventing Spider Bites ...............................29 TRiPS—Travel Risk Planning System .....42 First Aid............................................................29 Night Driving ...........................................42Recreational Safety ........................................30 Seat Belt Safety .............................................43 Heat Injury Prevention ...........................30 U.S. Army Requirement ..............................43 Heat Stress.....................................................30 Seat Belt Facts ..............................................43 Heat Exhaustion Symptoms.......................30 Cellular Phone Use While Driving ......... 44 First Aid For Heat Exhaustion.....................30 Child Passenger Safety ......................... 44 Baseball/Softball ...................................31 Wet Roads ...............................................45 Motorcycles .............................................46 Safety Rules For Baseball And Softball ... 31 Tennis ......................................................32 Mandatory Training ......................................46 Soccer .....................................................33 Required Personal Equipment......................................................33 Protective Equipment...................................46 Motorcycle Safety ...................................47 Types Of Soccer Injuries And First Aid Tips...........................................33 Rules for Braking ..........................................48 Motorcycle Mentorship Program ...........48 Jogging/Running ....................................34 Drugs, Alcohol, And Motorcycles ...........48 Skateboarding ........................................35 All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) ......................49 Bicycles ...................................................36 Water Safety ...........................................37 Training............................................................49 Swimming....................................................... 37 Rules For Safe ATV Operations..................49 Water Skiing ................................................... 37 Holiday Safety ..................................................50 Recreational Fireworks Safety ..........................................50 Boating ............................................................38 Fireworks Injuries ........................................50 Weapons Safety ....................................39Home Project/Hobby Safety ........................40 Safe Lifting Tips ......................................40 Mechanical Safety Checklist .................40 Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 3

FAMILY READINESS & NATURAL DISASTERS Military Family Readiness A s part of our nation’s military—whether active duty, reserves, civilian employee, or Fam- ily member—you play an important role in ensuring the welfare of our homeland. It is also important to prepare yourself and your Family for all types of emergencies so you can increase your personal sense of security and peace of mind. Preparing makes sense. Get ready now. As Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast with predictions of five to 10 inches of rain, the Texas National Guard was assembling 900 personnel and 500 high-water vehicles in San Antonio for major search-and-rescue missions. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: www.flickr.com/photos/ soldiersmediacenter/2851462729/4 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

ConsIderAtIons For All If you live off base, threatMIlItAry Personnel levels or other circumstances may keep you from getting backAnd FAMIlIes on the installation for day-to-day Every time you relocate, learn the types of activities following an emergency. emergencies likely to affect the area, and Know alternative places to shop update your emergency kit and plan with new or obtain things you normally get materials if necessary. Use the handy Family on post. Emergency Plan insert on page 7 to help you prepare. Collecting and recording important personal and financial documents Be aware that mass warning systems differ at is already a part of preparing for different locations. It could be a “giant voice” deployment. Be sure to include outside speaker, siren, telephone alert, or these documents in your some other system or procedure. Family’s emergency kit. You may not have extended Family nearby, During or after an emergency, so determining a rendezvous point or call-in you need to report to your contact for regrouping after an emergency command. Learn and follow may require more ingenuity. Establish an the established procedures. ¶ emergency plan with an out-of-town contact you can all reach. Keep in mind that one or more Family members may be deployed when disaster strikes. SPC Timothy C. Berlanga of the Texas Army National Guard hands out a bag of ice to a resident whose neighborhood in Raymondville, TX was severely flooded by the deluge of rain from hurricane Dolly. Photo by 1st SGT Lek Mateo. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: www.flickr.com/photos/ soldiersmediacenter/ 2712879495/ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 5

IF you’re stAtIoned oConus The emergency number is probably not 911 and may differ on and off the installation. You and your Family should know the operable numbers. Your emergency kit should include some additional items, such as passports, birth abroad certificates for children born over- seas, cash in the local currency, a card with local translations of basic terms, and an electrical current converter. If you live off base, learn a few key phrases in the host nation’s language, and get to know neighbors who could alert you about an ongoing emergency. For an emergency that occurs “outside the fence,” the local government will lead response (evacuations, shelter instructions, etc.). Cooperate with the host nation’s responders and follow their instructions. ¶6 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

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PrePAre strong at your installation and, when notified, Emergencies affect hundreds of be prepared for the following: rainthousands of people every year. and stormOne may hit your installation and Evacuation. surges. Anyone livingcommunity and affect you and Moving to a civilian in an area frequently affectedyour Family. When emergencies by hurricanes should take the spe-occur, military and civilian orga- shelter. cial precautions described below.nizations respond, but it takestime to mobilize, and they focus Moving to a designated How to Prepareon the most critical needs first. safe haven. for a HurricaneYou should get ready to manageon your own for at least 3 days. Temporarily sheltering- Stay informed and knowFailure to prepare can put yourself, in-place. hurricane terminology.your Family, and your property injeopardy! Hurricanes Install permanent storm The Army encourages all per- A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, shutters or have suppliessonnel to maintain a basic level a low-pressure system that origi- available to board up yourof preparedness for all potential nates in the tropics. The cyclone windows.hazards. usually includes intense thunderstorms and strong winds that can Install straps or clips to You are encouraged to get an exceed 155 mph. Hurricanes and secure your roof to theemergency supply kit, make a tropical storms can further result frame structure.Family emergency plan, and be in- in tornadoes and heavy flooding.formed about what might happen. Hurricanes can cause extensive Get an emergency supply It is your responsibility to un- damage through both strong kit, and develop a Familyderstand the mass warning system winds and high flood waters from evacuation procedure. Develop a Family communication procedure in case you are separated. Keep in mind that phone lines and cell phone towers may be down. Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 9

What to Do If There Is a Hurricane If you are told to evacuate: Listen to the radio or TV for more NEVER ignore an evacuation order. information and further instructions. Follow the guidelines given regarding evacua- Secure your home by closing the storm tion times and routes. shutters and bringing outdoor furniture inside. Take only essential items and your emergency kit. Ensure a supply of water for household Turn off gas, electricity, and water if you have not purposes. already done so. Turn your refrigerator to the coldest Disconnect all appliances. setting and keep the door closed. Do not walk in moving water. Turn off utilities if told to do so. Do not drive in high water (as little as 6 inches can cause a stall or loss of control). Follow the designated evacuation procedure and expect a high volume of traffic.10 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

If you are NOT told to evacuate: Stay tuned to emergency stations on radio or TV. Listen for further instructions. Stay away from windows and doors by seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged. Do not go outside until instructed to do so, even if the storm is over and it seems calm. When the eye of the hurricane passes, it is calm for a while but does not remain that way. Once you are in a safe place, report to your command if you are military or civilian government personnel or a member of the selective reserves.What to Do After a Hurricane Listen to news reports to make sure water supplies are not contaminated. Avoid flood waters, standing or moving, as they may be contaminated or be deeper than expected. Beware of downed power lines. Avoid any roads where flood waters have receded, as they may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Be extremely cautious when entering buildings and homes, as they may be structurally unsafe and there may be unseen damage. Once home, check gas, water, and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors. Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood water, as it can contain sewage and other contaminants. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 11

tornAdoes Tornadoes, the most violent natural hazard, are rotating, funnel-shaped clouds formed from thunderstorms. Strong winds are their most destructive aspect, with gusts reaching as high as 300 mph. The damage path can be a mile wide. Tornado season is generally March through August, but tornadoes can occur any time of the year. They most often occur at the tail end of a thunderstorm. Eighty percent of tornadoes occur between noon and midnight. While some areas are more prone to tornadoes than others, they can occur anywhere, so it is best to be prepared. How to Prepare for a Tornado When a tornado threatens, take immediate action. Do not delay! Stay informed and know tornado terminology: Tornado watch—Weather conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. Stay tuned to the radio or TV for more information and further instructions. Tornado warning—A tornado has been spotted. Take shelter immediately. Identify a place in your home and at work to take shelter in case of a tornado: A storm shelter or basement provides the best protection. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. In homes and small buildings, go to an interior part of the lowest level—closets, bathrooms, or interior halls. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.12 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

In schools, nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and businesses, go to the pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually best. In high-rise buildings, go to an interior small room or hallway. Leave areas with high, open-roof enclosures such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, and aviation hangers. Leave mobile homes or vehicles, and go to a substantial shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat Crank Radio in the nearest ditch, ravine, or An emergency kit should include a battery or crank powered radio culvert with your hands shielding so during emergency situations where electricity is out, news and weather reports can still be heard. There are many different brands of your head. radios available at many different price points. Have frequent tornado drills. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.army.mil/ -images/2009/04/23/35966/ Get an emergency supply kit and make a Family emergency plan.What to Do If There Is a Tornado Take shelter immediately in the designated room. If you are outside, find shelter immediately or, if shelter is unavailable, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car, stop immediately and find shelter. Do NOT try to drive through a tornado. Stay tuned to radio or TV for information and instructions as they become available. Stay in your shelter until the tornado has passed. Once you are in a safe place, report to your command if you are military or civilian government personnel or a member of the selective reserves. ¶I Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 13

WIldFIres Wildfires can start unexpectedly and spread quickly. You may not be aware of a wildfire until you are in danger, so it is important to be prepared, especially if you live in a dry, wooded area. Wildfires can be incredibly destructive and dangerous. They pose a threat not only to your home and community, but also to your Family if you are not prepared. How to Prepare for a Wildfire Be aware of your area’s risk for wildfires. Practice fire safety: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Never leave a fire (including a cigarette) burning unattended. Avoid open burning. Create a 30–50-foot safety zone around your home. Clear the area of all flammable vegetation, including dry leaves and branches. Remove vines from the side of your home. Regularly dispose of trash at approved sites. Store gasoline and oily rags in proper safety cans. Regularly clean debris from your roof and gutters. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, as well as a hose, that can reach all areas of the home. Get an emergency supply kit. Develop a Family evacuation procedure and a communication plan. SGT Mark Walch from Company A, 297th Support Battalion, one of the initial 295 Soldiers mobilized to fight the wildfires burning in California, uses an ax to cut down trees to form a fire break preventing burning material from crossing lines and spreading to unburned areas. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ soldiersmediacenter/2667428473/ Photo by STAFF SGT Andrew Hughan14 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

The Michigan Army National Guard uses a bambi bucket, an aerial firefighting tool suspended below a helicopter, to extinguish a fire 10 miles from Tahquame- non Falls State Park, MI. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ soldiersmediacenter/1063556470/ Photo by STAFF SGT Helen MillerWhat to Do When There Is a Wildfire Once you are in a safe place, report to your command if you are military or Listen to radio and TV for information civilian government personnel or a and instructions. member of the selective reserves. If you spot a wildfire, call 911 immediately. You Can Avert Tragedy Don’t assume that someone has already reported it. You cannot prevent natural disasters, but If you are directed to evacuate, do so immediately: you can safeguard yourself and your Family by being prepared and protected. ¶ Turn on porch lights and all the lights inside to make your home easier to spot in heavy smoke. Leave doors and windows unlocked for firefighters. Turn off the gas supply to your house and appliances. Fill any large containers with water, including pools, garbage cans, and tubs. Close all the doors in your house to prevent a draft. If time permits, clear any flammable items from the house and the area around it, including firewood and cloth curtains. Take your emergency kit. Wear protective clothing that fully covers your arms and legs. Check the labels on your clothing for the words “fire retardant.” These are materials designed to withstand heat and resist burning. Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 15

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY Dialing Emergency Telephone Numbers (USING LAND LINES AND CELL PHONES) W hen an emergency occurs on the military installation, using a hardwired garrison phone line to dial 911 will route the emergency call to a military police desk or emergency operator. Hardwired phones provide for a more timely response from garrison Military Police and Fire department units. When dialing 911 from a cell phone on a military installation, you will normally contact a 911 operator outside of the installation causing a delayed emergency response time. Please notify the 911 operator of your location and/or location of the emergency and the garrison you are calling from. If you need to make an emergency call using a cell phone, make direct contact with Fire Department or Military Police personnel by using the alternate direct dial emergency telephone numbers for the garrison you are calling from; these numbers are usually available on the garrison website. Program these numbers into your cell phone contacts list so they are readily available.16 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

HoMe FIre Having a working smoke Ensure that your smoke de-PreventIon detector more than tectors are tested monthly doubles one’s chances of and batteries are replacedAnd PrePAredness surviving a fire. twice a year. Change batter- Fires and burns continue to be ies when you change youra major cause of unintentional Follow the safety tips listed clocks.injury and/or death at home. Par- below to protect yourselfticularly at risk are the very young Encourage children to help and your family.and the very old. test the smoke detectors. Smoke Detectors Familiarize them with theFacts One is definitely NOT sounds of the alarm(s). 80 percent of all fire deaths enough! Every home occur in the home. should be equipped with The leading cause of fire smoke detectors on every deaths is careless smoking. level, particularly outside of sleeping areas. Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 17

Fire Extinguishers Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen (one rated for grease fires and electrical fires). It is a good idea to keep fire extinguishers near the fur- nace, garage, and anywhere else a fire may start. These extinguishers are affordable, life-saving equipment for your home. Make sure every able-bodied member of the Family is trained and familiar with the proper way to use the fire extinguishers. If you must use an extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way out in the event you cannot put out the fire. Flammables Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach and out of sight of children! Smoking is dangerous! No one should ever smoke in bed. Make sure that cigarettes/cigars are extinguished properly before dumping ashes. Dispose of materials from fireplaces and grills in non- flammable containers. Never put children to sleep in “day” clothes. Fire-retardant sleepwear can make a difference in burn outcomes.18 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Electrical Safetyand HeatSources Make sure your electrical system is not being over-taxed. This Windows can cause a fire. provide a secondary Do your lights dim or flicker Be fully prepared for a real means of escape. Ensure when extra appliances are fire: when a smoke alarm they are in proper work- plugged in? If you have sounds, get out immedi- ing order, are not painted questions or concerns, con- ately; and once you are out, shut, and guards are able sult a certified electrician. stay out, leave the firefight- to be disengaged in case of ing to the professionals! fire and escape is necessary Inspect wires. If you find through that window. any worn or exposed wiring If you live in an apartment from appliances, discon- building, make sure that you Make sure to practice your tinue their use immediately! are familiar with the build- escape plan periodically. It A fire is imminent! ing’s evacuation plan. In will be easier to remember case of a fire, use the stairs, in case of an emergency. Keep appliances unplugged never the elevator. when not in use. Call emergency responders When planning for a Family from a neighbor’s house.Escaping a Fire: EDITH— with young children, be sure Young children should knowExit Drills in the Home to teach them not to hide their street address and last Practice EDITH (Exit Drills in from fire or smoke and to go name (and, of course, how the Home). These tips can to the firefighters who are to dial 911 or garrison emer- help you put together and there to help them. gency number). practice an effective home All children should be famil- After you’ve planned for fire escape plan. iar with the ideas of “crawl- the Family, don’t forget the Pull together everyone in ing underneath the smoke” pets. Alert firefighters about your household and make to escape a fire. “Stop, your pets. Don’t rely on win- a plan. Draw a floor plan drop, and roll” is another dow or door decals to alert of your home showing two safety principle that must firefighters—such decals are ways out of each room, be ingrained into children’s often found to be outdated. including windows. Do not minds. In the event your pet suffers forget to mark the location from smoke inhalation, rush Multi-storied buildings are of each smoke alarm. Make the animal to the vet. of special concern. Ensure it easy for all members of that everyone is familiar the Family and visitors to with how to use an escape understand. ladder if necessary. Make sure that everyone un- Make sure every sleeping derstands the escape plan room has two means of es- and recognizes the sound of cape in the event of a fire. the smoke alarm. Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 19

CookIng FIre sAFety Many Families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you do not practice safe cooking behaviors. Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries. It is a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave flammable materials, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. Whether you are cooking the Family holiday dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep you and your Family safe. Safe Cooking Behaviors Choose the Right Equipment and Use It Properly Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility. Follow manufacturers’ instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appli- If Your Clothes ances directly into an outlet. Never use an exten- Catch Fire sion cord for a cooking appliance, as it can over- If your clothes catch fire, stop, load the circuit and cause a fire. drop, and roll. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover Avoid grease build-up in the kitchen and on ap- face with hands. Roll over and pliances. Cooking fires are common. Do not leave over or back and forth to put out food cooking on stovetops unattended. the fire. Immediately cool the burn with cool water for three to Watch What You Heat five minutes and then seek emergency medical care. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.20 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you have In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and to be alert. You won’t be if you are sleepy, keep the door closed to prevent flames from have been drinking alcohol, or have taken burning you or your clothing. medicine that makes you drowsy. If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn If a fire should occur, suffocate it with a it off immediately and keep the door closed. pot/pan lid or a cookie sheet, or close the Never open the door until the fire is complete- oven door. ly out. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet.Keep Things That Can Catch Fire and HeatSources Apart After a fire, both ovens and microwaves should be checked and/or serviced Keep anything that can catch fire—pothold- before being used again. ¶ ers, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from your stovetop. Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean. Keep pets off cooking surfaces and nearby countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner. Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner.How and When to FightCooking Fires When in doubt, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave. If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and you have a clear path to the exit. Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool. Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 21

PoIson sAFety CHeCklIst Each year unintentional poisoning causes over 14,000 deaths, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Half a million children will ingest poisonous household products and medicine this year, according to estimates by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Protect a child—prevent a tragedy. The national, toll-free Poison Control Center locator number is: 1-800-222-1222; when you call you will be automatically redirected to the nearest poison center in your area. Adhere to the following safety precautions. Medication Be responsible with your medicine. Keep medicine out of reach of children. Follow instructions on labels exactly. Heed the cautions, and consider the side effects. Make note of the antidote in case of accidental ingestion. Discard medicine once an illness is over or when the expiration date has lapsed. Only buy medicine in child-resistant containers. Most accidental ingestion of medicine involves containers that are not child-resistant. Always keep medicine in its original container. Household Products closets, and cabinets. Imme- Keep a bottle of ipecac syrup, diately return products to which induces vomiting. Use and store poisonous safe storage after use. Don’t administer ipecac household products safely. syrup without consulting a Keep products in their original medical authority first. Read product labels carefully. containers. Never transfer Abide by instructions; be them to secondary contain- Know what to do. aware of cautions. ers like soft drink bottles. Buy products in child-resis- Inhaled poison: Place the Chemicals do more harm person in fresh air, avoid tant containers. to the eyes than to any breathing fumes, loosen Don’t stockpile poisonous other part of the body. Be their clothing, and open products. Buy them only for sure to wear eye protection doors and windows. If the a specific purpose in the as well as other required victim is unconscious, check quantities required. protective equipment breathing and begin artifi- when handling or working cial respiration, if required. Inspect the condition of con- around chemicals.¶ tainers, including their la- In eye: Remove contact lens- bels. If appropriate, discard Safety Procedures es if present, and flood the any leftover product when injured eye for 15 minutes Be prepared. no longer needed. Follow with lukewarm water from installation hazardous mate- Post near your phone the a glass held two to three rial disposal directives. numbers of the national or lo- inches away from the eye. cal Poison Control Center, Blink during flooding. Don’t Only store poisonous prod- your doctor, and any other rub the eye or force it open. ucts in locked storage sheds, emergency care providers.22 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Swallowed: Immediately light. Ideally, you should discard this is normal) or that consult a medical authority, outdated medications from your have a solid residue identifying the product and medicine cabinet once a month. at the bottom. the amount ingested, how long ago it was ingested, Start your cleanup by disposing of Milk of magnesia that the following: has become caked. and the condition of the victim. Be prepared to give Any medicine that has Ointments (or salves) milk, water, or ipecac syrup changed color, formed a that have separated, as directed. residue at the bottom of developed spots, or the bottle, or is more than 2 become discolored.Medicine Cabinet Clutter years old. Most medicine cabinets are a Nose drops that have be-haphazard accumulation of half- Aspirins that are crumbly or come cloudy or have devel-used and outdated medications that give off a vinegary odor. oped a sediment.that can actually be more danger-ous than helpful. If your medicine Hydrogen peroxide that no Eye wash or eye drops leftcabinet fits this description, it’s longer bubbles vigorously over from treating any eyetime to do something about it. when applied. disorder. Fungus growth may Almost all medicines deterio- Antiseptic solutions that develop in these.rate with age, particularly when have become cloudyexposed to heat, air, moisture, and (unless the label says Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 23

HoMe APPlIAnCe sAFety Push the mower forward, never pull it backward. General Safety Rules For Appliances If the lawn slopes, mow across the slope with Never operate an electric appliance while a walk-behind mower, never up and down. touching a metal object (especially plumb- With a riding mower, drive up and down the ing), standing on a wet surface, or taking a slope, not across it. bath or shower. Teach your children not to reach for an appliance that has fallen into Inspect the mower for potential hazards, water. loose bolts, missing guards, etc. Always unplug appliances before cleaning or Disengage the drive and clutch before you repairing, and when not in use. start the engine. Keep cords away from water and heat. Disconnect the spark plug wire (or electrical power cord) before doing any maintenance If you need to use an extension cord, choose work on your lawn mower. the right type. Use a 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug for appliances that require grounding. Gasoline-Powered Mowers— Don’t plug too many appliances into Fill The Tank Safely one circuit. Before refueling, let the engine cool for a few All appliances should be approved by a recog- minutes. Gas spilled on hot engine parts can nized testing laboratory such as Underwriters cause a flash fire. Laboratories (UL). Fill the mower outdoors, so vapors won’t build up. Never smoke while filling the tank. lAWn MoWers Mowing the lawn can sometimes seem like a Electric Mowers— mundane activity, made even more boring by Prevent Electrical Shocks virtue of repetition. In reality, a lawn mower can Never use an electric mower in wet conditions. be a dangerous and even deadly tool, capable of amputating hands and feet, and throw- Use a UL-approved, grounded power cord in ing objects with deadly speed. According to good condition. Check the owner’s manual for government estimates, injuries resulting from recommendations on choosing a power cord. lawn mowers average 74,000 each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recom- Always be aware of the location of the power mends that no one under age 16 should cord, and keep it away from the mower blade. use a riding mower, and no one under age 12 should use a push-type power mower. Dress for Safety Follow these tips for safe lawn mower operation. Wear heavy-duty shoes with non-slip soles. Never mow in bare feet or sandals. Always Know Your Mower wear eye and hearing protection during mow- Read and follow the ing. instruction manual. Clear the Area Know how to stop the Pick-up sticks, stones, toys, and debris that machine quickly in an could be ejected from the mower and cause emergency. injury.24 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Children should not be al- Rubber gloves (never use tim is still conscious, induce lowed on or near the lawn fabric, leather, or paper vomiting. Keep the victim when the mower is in use. ¶ gloves). calm. Consult a physician immediately. Long-sleeved shirt. Take the label to thegArden sPrAys Long pants or coveralls. physician.sAFety CHeCklIst Shoes and socks Storage Any chemical pesticide or (not sandals or flip-flops).herbicide available to the home Don’t leave any chemicals ingardener can be used safely and Handling Garden spray equipment at the endwithout harm to the user, pets, or Chemicals of the work day.the environment. Simply be aware Always follow directionsof and knowledgeable about what Always store garden sprays when mixing chemicals. in their original containeryou are doing, use proper personalprotective clothing and equip- When filling a spray with the labels clearly vis-ment, have respect for the chemi- container, use a funnel ible. Never store pesticidescals and their effects, and use to avoid spilling. in soft drink bottles or foodcommon sense. By following these containers, which can bebasic guidelines, you can enjoy Never hold the container mistaken for food or drink.healthy lawns and plants without higher than chest level whenthe risk of injury or illness. pouring. Store pesticides in a dry, secure place out of the reach Read and Follow Label Divert your head from of children and pets. ¶ Instructions. the container when Pesticide labels contain “sig- opening. nal words” that indicate one Don’t spray on of three levels of toxicity: windy days. CAUTION: The least toxic Control access to the chemical pesticides. sprayed area as WARNING: Mid-level toxicity directed by the label. pesticides. Always wash your DANGER—POISON: The most hands and face toxic category of pesticides. afterward. These are available for pur- First Aid chase and application only by a licensed applicator. Check the label for symptoms of over- Always use the LEAST TOXIC exposure and first pesticide available to treat aid procedures. your particular need. If the chemical Wear protective clothing. contacts your skin, Head covering immediately wash (cap or wide-brim hat). with soap and water. Eye protection (when mixing liquid pesticides that carry If the chemical WARNING or DANGER signal is swallowed words). and the vic- Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 25

BArBeCue grIll sAFety Outdoor cooking is very popular. In fact, 66 million Americans cook outdoors regularly, according to the Barbecue Industry Association. You’re probably one of those 66 million. Hopefully you will not be one of the people treated in emergency rooms this summer for injuries related to charcoal, propane, and wood-burning grills. As an outdoor cook, you need to avoid injuries by observing some safety precautions. Before Cooking Instruct children on the dan- Cooking With Propane gers of a lit grill. (LP) Gas Grills Choose a safe grilling loca- Read the owner’s manual tion away from children’s and operating instructions cord plugged into an outlet play areas and areas of carefully. protected by a ground fault heavy traffic. The area circuit interrupter. should be well-ventilated to Use the exact type of tank avoid danger from carbon and fuel specified. Be sure the ground is dry monoxide and other com- and you’re not standing in Check hoses and valve con- water when plugging the bustion by-products. Never nections often. Do this by grill inside or even in a semi- starter into an outlet. pouring soapy water on the enclosed area, such as a tent connection points. If bub- The starter will stay hot for or camper. Always grill on a bles appear, retighten the several minutes after use, so flat, stable platform. connections and test again. place it out of reach by chil- Make sure you’re not wear- dren and on a surface that Transfer and store liquid will not burn. ing clothing that could con- propane cylinders in an tact the fire, such as hang- upright position and never If using instant-light bri- ing shirt-tails or dangling where temperatures can quettes: Spread instant-light strings. reach 125 degrees. briquettes into a single layer, Never leave a making sure they touch at Whether your grill lights by the edges. Light several of grill unattended. match or push button ignit- them at their edges with a er, always follow the manu- match. facturer’s instructions. If using standard charcoal Cooking briquettes: Stack standard With Charcoal briquettes in a pyramid to Grills allow air to circulate around them, causing them to light Never start faster. Apply lighter fluid a fire with before lighting; wait at least gasoline. one minute before lighting to allow the lighter fluid to If using an soak in. Never add fluid to electric fire the coals once they’ve been starter, use an lit. insulated in- door/outdoor26 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Flare-Ups Place a drip pan beneath the Fat from your meat will drip meat to catch fat before itonto the fire. The fire ignites the hits the coals.fat, causing flare-ups. The follow-ing tips can help prevent flare-ups. Don’t place meat directly over the heat source. Grill low-fat meat. Keep the grill cover closed, Trim excess fat from your and adjust vents as neces- meat. sary. ¶AnIMAl And sPIder BItesWith Spring comes the warmer weather andunfortunately an increased risk for animaland insect bites.dogs According to the CDC each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites; half of theseare children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about 16 die. Therate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age.Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages 4 years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injuryrates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls. In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwentreconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.Who is Most at risk? Children: Among children, household is associated not suitable for house- the rate of dog bite–related with a higher incidence holds with children. injuries is highest for those of dog bites. As the num- ages 5 to 9 years, and chil- ber of dogs in the home Be sensitive to cues that dren are more likely than increases, so does the a child is fearful or appre- adults to receive medical incidence of dog bites. hensive about a dog. If a attention for dog bites than Adults with two or more child seems frightened by adults. Recent research dogs in the household are dogs, wait before bringing shows that the rate of dog– five times more likely to a dog into your household. bite related injuries among be bitten than those living Spend time with a dog children seems to be de- without dogs at home. before buying or adopting creasing. it. Use caution when bring- Before you bring a dog Adult males: Among adults, ing a dog into a household into your household: males are more likely than with an infant or toddler. females to be bitten. Consult with a profes- sional (e.g., veterinarian, If you decide to bring a dog People with dogs in their animal behaviorist, or into your home: homes: Among children and responsible breeder) to Spay/neuter your dog adults, having a dog in the learn what (this often reduces breeds of dogs are aggressive tendencies). the best fit for your household. Never leave infants or young children alone Dogs with histories with a dog. of aggression are Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 27

Don’t play aggressive Clean the wound with soap games with your dog and warm water for five (e.g., wrestling). If knocked over by a dog, roll minutes. into a ball and lie still (e.g., Properly socialize and train “be still like a log”). Flush the wound for an ad- any dog entering your ditional five full minutes, household. Teach the dog Do not play with a dog un- allowing water to run into submissive behaviors (e.g., less supervised by an adult. the dog bite wound. rolling over to expose the Immediately report stray abdomen and giving up Pour a liberal amount of dogs or dogs displaying un- Betadine into the dog bite food without growling). usual behavior to an adult. wounds and saturate the Immediately seek profes- Avoid direct eye contact skin around the wounds as sional advice (e.g., from with a dog. well. Use hydrogen peroxide veterinarians, animal behav- if Betadine is not available. iorists, or responsible breed- Do not disturb a dog that is ers) if the dog develops sleeping, eating, or caring Using a sterile gauze pad, aggressive or undesirable for puppies. apply a generous amount behaviors. of antibiotic ointment into Do not pet a dog without al- each wound. Preventing Dog Bites lowing it to see and sniff you first. Cover the wound with a Dog bites are a largely prevent- clean, dry dressing. able public health problem, and If bitten, immediately report adults and children can learn to re- Watch for signs of infection the bite to an adult. duce their chances of being bitten. and seek medical attention To help prevent children from First Aid if they appear: being bitten by dogs, teach the fol- Always call a physician to de- lowing basic safety tips and review termine if you should be seen. Redness them regularly: Some dog bites need antibiotics, Swelling Do not approach an particularly if they are deep punc- unfamiliar dog. ture wounds. Additionally, military Heat installations have regulations Do not run from a dog for reporting dog bites and moni- Weeping pus. ¶ or scream. toring the dogs that are initiated by the medical treatment facility. Remain motionless (e.g., Cleaning a dog bite wound im- “be still like a tree”) when mediately after the dog attack or approached by an un- bite incident occurs is essential to familiar dog. preventing infection. If a visit to the emergency room is required, clean the wound before departing because in cases where the dog bite victim is not critical, you may have to wait for several hours.28 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

sPIders bite. The venom of a brown Keep apparel stored out- Although spider bites are com- recluse can cause a severe doors in tightly closed plas-mon in many parts of the United lesion by destroying skin tis- tic bags.States, most domestic spiders are sue (skin necrosis). This skinnot substantially venomous to lesion will require profes- First Aidman. According to the CDC, the sional medical attention. Take the following steps ifbest known exceptions include the bitten by a spider:black widow, brown recluse, and Stay calm. Identify the typehobo spiders. Spiders are usuallynot aggressive and most bites oc- of spider if it is possible tocur because a spider is trapped or do so safely. Identificationunintentionally contacted. will aid in medical treatment. Wash the bite area with soap The Hobo Spider is large and and water. brown with a distinct pattern of yellow markings on Apply a cloth dampened its abdomen. Unlike many with cold water or filled with other similar looking spi- ice to the bite area to reduce ders, Hobo Spiders do not swelling. have dark bands on their Black Widow Spiders are Elevate bite area if possible. legs. The bite of a Hobo identified by the pattern of Spider may go unnoticed; Do not attempt to remove red coloration on the un- however a moderate to venom. derside of their abdomen. severe, slow-healing wound A bite from a black widow Immediately seek profes- will develop. can be distinguished from sional medical attention other insect bites by the two Preventing spider Bites. for potentially venomous puncture marks it makes in The CDC recommends taking the spiders. ¶ the skin. The venom is a neu- following preventive steps: rotoxin that produces pain at the bite area and then Inspect or shake out any spreads to the chest, abdo- clothing, shoes, towels, or men, or the entire body. equipment before use. Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, hat, gloves, and boots when handling stacked or undisturbed piles of materials. Minimize the empty spaces The Brown Recluse Spider between stacked materials. is brown in color with a characteristic dark violin- Remove and reduce debris shaped (or fiddle-shaped) and rubble from around the marking on its head and has outdoor work and six equal-sized eyes. Bites play areas. may cause a stinging sensa- Trim or eliminate tall grasses tion with localized pain. A from around outdoor work small white blister usually and play areas. develops at the site of the Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 29

Remember: Sun intensifies when it reflects off sand, water, and concrete. You can get burned even when it’s overcast or foggy. RECREATIONAL SAFETY HeAt Injury PreventIon Heat Stress Heat stress is the buildup in the body of heat generated by the muscles during work or coming from warm and hot environments. When the body becomes overheated, less blood goes to the active muscles, the brain, and other internal organs. Persons experiencing heat stress may get weaker, become tired sooner, and may be less alert, less able to use good judgment, and less able to function. As strain from the heat becomes more severe, there can be a rapid rise in body temperature and heart rate. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result when the body is subjected to more heat than it can cope with. Heat Exhaustion Possibly fainting (victim may If the victim vomits, do not Symptoms regain consciousness give any more fluids. if their heads are lowered). Body temperature that is Transport the victim to the slightly higher than normal, First Aid nearest medical facility as caused by excessive loss of for Heat Exhaustion soon as possible. ¶ water from the body. Move the victim to shade Skin that is pale, moist, and elevate the victim’s feet. and clammy. Loosen the victim’s Excessive sweating. clothing. Headaches and perhaps If the victim is conscious, cramps. give him or her cool water to drink. Tiredness and dizziness (possibly vomiting). Apply cool, wet cloths.30 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

BAseBAll/soFtBAll The number of people who play baseball and softball each year is staggering—some estimates exceed 100million people. Participation ranges from unplanned pickup games through church outings and companypicnics to semi-pro leagues. The physical condition of individual ballplayers may range from totally out-of-con-dition to physical masterpieces. Unfortunately, the number of people injured while playing baseball or softball is also staggering—over halfa million ballplayers are injured each year. While most will be inconvenienced for only a few days, many willsuffer some degree of permanent injury. What are the leading types of baseball and softball injuries? Hospital records show that strains and sprains,bruises, and fractures lead the way. Most strains and sprains result from ballplayers running the bases. Mostbruises happen when players collide or are hit by the ball, while the majority of fractures occur when playerstry to slide into a base or are hit by a pitched ball. How can injuries be kept to a minimum? The best way is for players to know and understand their own physi-cal and skill limits. Most strains and sprains can be prevented by maintaining a good conditioning level and bycarefully warming up before playing. Playing by the rules and within one’s limits will help prevent bruises andfractures.Safety Rules for Baseball and Softball Check the playing field for holes, broken glass, rocks, or other dangerous objects. Be careful swinging the bat; make sure no one is too close. After you hit the ball, don’t throw or sling the bat; drop it as you run to base. Throw the ball to—not at—other players. Wear proper shoes (no metal spikes) and a bat- ting helmet when at bat. If you play catcher, wear a face mask, protective cup for men or boys, chest protector, and shin guards. Avoid running over another player to knock the ball loose. Call for fly balls so you don’t run into another player. Be careful chasing the ball. If it goes into a street, look both ways to make sure no cars are coming before you go after it. If there is lightning in the area, stop playing and seek shelter other than a tree. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 31

tennIs Millions of people will work out this year playing tennis. Approximately 83,000 of them will leave the court injured. Steps to avoid serious injuries begin with a set routine: stretch, warm up, play, cool down, and stretch again. Proper equipment is also important: Racquet: The racquet selected should have a grip that fits the player’s hand. An oversize racquet head makes it easier for beginners to contact the ball; intermediate and advanced players usually prefer a midsize. The key to selecting a good racquet is shock absorption. Recommended racquet types are ones made of vibration-dampening material (fiberglass- graphite and fiberglass-boron composites are best). Shoes: Tennis is a game of quick sprints and rapid turns. Athletic shoes designed specifically for tennis will help prevent ankle strains and sprains. Clothing: Clothing should reflect the sun’s rays, allow freedom of movement, and permit heat and sweat to escape. You should also protect your eyes from court glare. ¶32 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

soCCer A soccer game is characterizedby speed, grace, and skill. Playerssprint, kick, and leap. Unfortunately,some players also get hurt. In fact,many thousands of Americans aretreated in emergency rooms everyyear for injuries related to soccer.Consider the following to help keepyour game safe.Equipment U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 12th Brigade, 3rd Military Transition Team, play a game of soccer at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. Shirt: In hot weather, shirts Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: should have short sleeves. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ They should be light-colored soldiersmediacenter/3257501503/ to reflect heat and loose to allow ventilation. Types of Soccer Injuries and Stitches: A sharp pain in Pads: Players should wear First Aid Tips the side of stomach during shin pads. They don’t inter- exertion. Breathe as deeply Abrasions: Caused by sliding. as possible until symptoms fere with movement or ball Wash with soap and water, control. Goalkeepers should subside. and expose to air. If infection wear knee and elbow pads. starts, treat with an antiseptic. Cramps: Involuntary con- traction in muscle caused Lacerations: Caused by skin by fatigue, improper diet, being broken by contact dehydration, electrolyte with a head, elbow, or shoe. imbalance, playing with- Seek medical attention to out warming up, or a sharp suture a severe wound. blow. Use sport drinks with Bruises: Caused by collisions, electrolytes to help prevent kicks, and elbows. Apply ice cramps. If you get a cramp, and rest. stop and stretch the muscle. If caused by a blow, apply ice and stretch it. If not caused by a blow, apply heat and massage the area. Sprains: Caused by cleats hanging in grass while turning, stepping in a depres- sion, landing incorrectly, or stepping on a ball or foot. Apply ice, immobilize, compress with an elastic U.S. Army CAPT Emily Nay makes a penalty kick during the first game bandage, elevate, and get of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team at the 4th Conseil Internationale du medical attention. ¶ Sport Militaire’s Military World Games in Hyderabad, India. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ soldiersmediacenter/1600406760/ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 33

joggIng/runnIng As with any outdoor activity, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Never jog or run anyplace where you might feel uncomfortable or unsure of your surroundings. It’s always a good idea to run with a buddy. Avoid jogging or running at night, since cars cannot see you and it is difficult for you to see the ground. Remember that roadways are designed primarily for vehicular traffic. Instead use sidewalks, bike paths, physical training tracks, and open fields. Most important: pedestrian traffic rules apply to individual joggers or runners. do: Be in good physical condition. Stay away from vehicle traffic where possible. Wear proper footwear. Face oncoming traffic while running. Begin a running program gradually. Wear reflective clothing if jogging at night. don’t: Run during peak traffic hours. Assume right-of-way over vehicles. Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team jog down Longstreet Road during the four-mile division-wide run that kicked off the 82nd’s All American Week celebration. Wear headphones when Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/3549138806/ jogging near traffic. Use excessive salt. Run with the flow of traffic. Continue if not feeling well. Over-exercise. Wear plastic or rubber suits. ¶34 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

skAteBoArdIng Skateboarding need not be a dangerous sport. Many of the hazardsto your children can be eliminated by following these guidelines. Recognize that skateboarding is a sport: Supply your child with the proper equipment. You wouldn’t allow your child to play hockey without a helmet, nor would you attempt to ski without proper poles and boots. The same prudence applies to skateboarding. In addition to a good, sturdy board, a skateboarder needs to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and padded gloves with wrist supports. Require your child to wear athletic shoes when skating: Sturdy tennis shoes are recommended. Know the areas where your child skates: Skating on city streets, sidewalks, and in shopping malls is prohibited in some areas. Avoid skateboarding on public streets: Cross streets on foot (not on the board). Teach your child to obey all traffic signals, signs, and regulations. Caution the child about the dangers of cars backing in and out of driveways. No towing: Prohibit your child from being towed by bicycles, automobiles, or other moving vehicles. Use skate parks: If skate parks are available, encourage their use when there is adequate supervision. Maintain equipment: Teach your child to take good care of his equipment. A skateboard needs to be continually checked and maintained just like an automobile. The wheels and bearings must be checked regularly. The trucks—the metal pieces that connect the wheels to the board—must be securely fastened and properly adjusted. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 35

BICyCles Bicycle riding has many benefits including exercise, preventing pollution, and saving money. How- ever, sharing the road with motorized vehicles can be extremely hazardous. Follow these rules and tips for safe bicycle riding. SPC Justin Clark (seated), who is currently undergoing therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, leads riders on Always wear a properly the Road 2 Recovery 480-mile bike trek. fitted bicycle helmet that Photo courtesy of U.S. Army: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/2530663041/ meets safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Obey all applicable traffic Watch out for drain grates, Commission, the American regulations, signs, signals, soft shoulders, and other Society for Testing and Ma- and markings. road surface hazards. terials, or the Snell Memo- Observe all local ordinances Watch out for car doors rial Foundation. Look for a pertaining to bicycle opening or for cars pulling certification sticker inside operation. out into traffic. the helmet. Keep right—ride with Never carry passengers and traffic, not against it. ensure that packages don’t Ride single file. interfere with your vision or control. Be extremely careful at all intersections, particularly when making a left turn. Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping. Make yourself visible at night with reflectors and lights. Conduct an inspection to ensure your bike is safe and is in proper mechanical condition before riding/driving. Drive your bike defensively; watch for other riders, pe- destrians, and automobiles. Never hitch a ride on a truck or other vehicle. ¶36 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

WAter sAFetySwimming Swimming is more than just fun. It provides an excellent means ofaerobic exercise and knowing how to swim can literally save your life.American Red Cross statistics reveal that half of all drownings occurwithin 20 feet of safety. The frightening fact is that 40 percent of thepopulation cannot swim 20 feet and would probably drown attemptingto get to safety. If you or members of your family don’t know how to swim, there is nobetter time to learn than right now. Here are just a few of the commonsense swimming rules that can save your life or the life of a loved one. Never swim alone, even if you are an experienced swimmer. Swim only in supervised areas. Never swim when exhausted, overheated, or immediately after eating. Before diving, make sure the water is deep enough. Don’t depend on a tube or inflated toy for buoyancy. Whenever a storm approaches, get out of the water. Don’t swim in extremely cold water. Don’t consume alcohol and swim. ¶ Water Skiing Nearly 17 million Americans water ski each year. Twelve percent of water ski fatalities are caused by drowning. Many of those could be prevented by skiing with effective flotation devices and knowing how to swim. Safe skiing precautions include the following: Ski in a familiar area. Know the locations of standing timber, sandbars, and shallow water obstacles so you can avoid them. Ski in water that is at least 5 feet deep. Just as a towline connects the skier to the boat, the line of communication joins the boat driver and skier. Know water-skiing hand signals. Use a rear-view mirror and an observer to spot the skier. Don’t consume alcohol or use medications that can ad- versely affect your balance, judgment, and reaction time. Ski with a snug-fitting Type III Coast Guard-approved life jacket. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 37

Man wearing and inflatable life jacket behind the wheel with a girl in a children’s life jacket sitting on his lap. Recreational Boating Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard: http://www. Powerboating and sailboating can be very enjoyable spring and summer uscgboating.org/assets/gallery/image/ activities. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe boating. original/03_05_1_2A_0128.JPG Be smart: Take a recreational boating safety course. Some states require formal training for boat operators. Check your state laws. Your local branch of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary usually offers these courses for a nominal fee, and taking the course can earn boat owners an insurance discount. Float plan: Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, what your boat looks like, and other identifying information that will make finding your boat much easier should the need arise. Weather: Always check the weather and water conditions before leaving shore. Take a radio with you and listen to updated weather reports. Fuel: Check to make sure you have enough gas. Use the “one-third rule” in fuel management: Use one-third of the fuel to go, one- third to get back, and one-third in reserve. Tools and spare parts: Carry a few tools and some spare parts, such as spark plugs, shear pins, or a spare propeller, and learn how to make minor emergency repairs. A great many rescues are necessitated by minor breakdowns that the operator should have been able to repair. Life jackets: Make sure you and Coast Guard require- Alcohol and drugs: Operating have one on board for each ments for your size and type a boat while intoxicated is individual in the boat. Make of vessel. illegal and dangerous. Alco- sure they are accessible. hol and drugs reduce judg- Encourage everyone to wear Loading the boat: Check the ment and the ability to react. a life jacket. Set an example capacity plate to determine The sun, wind, vibration, and by wearing yours. the load limits. Although noise increase the debilitat- there might be seats enough ing effects of alcohol and Safety equipment: In addi- for four people, many small drugs. tion to having a life jacket boats will only safely carry for each person, you should two or three. The load makes Always be vigilant and expect the also carry flares, a throwable a critical difference in the unexpected from fellow boaters. ¶ flotation device, a horn or stability of a small boat. whistle, a strong flashlight, Overloaded boats can a first-aid kit, and a bailing capsize. bucket or pump. Check state Woman at the helm of a motorboat wearing an inflatable belt pack with kill switch, with a girl passenger wearing a children’s life jacket and an adult male and female wearing inflatable life jackets. Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard: http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/gallery/image/ original/03_05_1_2B_0041.JPG38 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

WeAPons sAFety In Fiscal Year 2009, the Army experienced 34 negligent dischargeClass A-C accidents involving firearms, 17 of which occurred off dutyand 17 on duty. Of these accidents, 4 resulted in fatal injuries, with threeoccurring off duty and one on duty. To combat negligent discharges, lead-ers must change the way Soldiers think about and handle weapons. Bothleaders and Soldiers have a responsibility to set the example for others andmake on-the-spot corrections. Drill home that your Soldiers must thinkweapons safety: Treat every weapon as if it’s loaded. Handle every weapon with care. Identify the target before you fire. Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire. In many negligent discharges, it’s clear the basic fundamentals of weapons handling were ignored. Based on information reported to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, the most prevalent mistakes that lead to negligent discharges are horseplay, improper cleaning procedures, incorrect weapon status, failure to keep the weapon on safe and finger off the trigger when there’s no intent to fire, and lack of muzzle awareness. These mistakes are a result of indiscipline, overconfidence, and complacency. Over 60 percent of fatalities involved alcohol and privately owned weapons, and all occurred with what the Soldier believed was an unloaded weapon. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 39

HOME PROJECT/ HOBBY SAFETY Shift the position of your Slivers from concussion sAFe lIFtIng tIPs feet to avoid twisting tools. Follow these safe lifting tips to motions. prevent back injuries: Severed tendons and arter- Put things down by revers- ies from cutting tools. Crouch as close as possible ing these lifting methods. ¶ to the object you are going Broken bones and bruises to lift. from slipping wrenches. MeCHAnICs Don’t lift beyond your Hand Tools strength. Get help if needed. sAFety CHeCklIst To avoid accidents, follow these If you do your own home or au- four safe practices when using Get solid footing. Place your tomobile repairs and maintenance, hand tools: feet 8 to 12 inches apart. think safety before you tackle a job. Often you may not have the Select the right tool for the Grip firmly with your fingers proper tools or equipment, and job. underneath the load when- you may be tempted to take short- ever possible. cuts. Keep tools in good working condition. Keep your arms straight Don’t Risk Injury and your back as vertically Use the tool in the proper If you misuse a hand tool, or manner. straight as possible. use a defective tool, you may risk Lift gradually. Avoid jerky suffering these or other serious Keep tools in a safe place. motions. injuries: Working Under The loss of eyes and vision, Automobiles Lift by using the strong leg or puncture wounds from muscles. This takes strain off Use jack stands and wheel flying chips. the back muscles. chocks instead of just jacks.40 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Use hoists and lifts instead block any nearby door that Don’t take a chance on slip- of manhandling heavy opens toward you. ping. Check ladder rungs loads. ¶ and the bottoms of your Keep the area around the shoes for slippery substances.lAdder sAFety ladder base uncluttered. Each year there are more than Rule 5: Use common sense. Position your ladder base on160,000 emergency room-treated Hold on with at least one a solid, level surface.injuries in the United States relat- hand.ing to ladders. Rules for the safe When you use a step ladder,use of ladders are as follows. make sure it’s fully open and Never reach or lean too farRule 1: Select the right its spreader is locked. to either side.ladder for the job. Position a straight ladder To maintain your Make certain the ladder is at a four-to-one ratio—the balance, keep strong enough for its intend- base of your ladder should your belt buckle ed use. be one foot away from the between the wall or other vertical surface ladder rails. Choose a ladder that’s tall for every four feet of the enough for you to work Don’t climb ladder’s length to the sup- comfortably. higher than port point. Many ladders will the second Avoid metal ladders when have a diagram pasted to tread from there’s a chance of contact their sides that can assist in the top on with a source of electric cur- proper positioning. a step- rent. Metal is a conductor of When you use a ladder to ladder electricity. climb onto a roof or plat- or the third form, allow your ladder to rung fromRule 2: Inspect the ladder extend at least three feet the topbefore you use it. on a beyond the roof edge or Look for loose or damaged other support point. straight rungs, steps, rails, or braces. ladder. ¶ To avoid shifting, tie down Repair or replace loose or straight ladders as close missing screws, hinges, to the support point as bolts, nuts, or other possible. hardware. Never use a ladder against Make certain safety arms an unstable surface. can be locked in place. Rule 4: Climb and descend lad- Be sure straight ladders have ders cautiously. safety feet. Face the ladder and hold on Never use a defective ladder. with both hands. Rule 3: Set up your ladder If you need tools, carry with care. them in a tool belt or raise and lower them with a hand If you must set up a ladder in line—maintain three points a traffic area, use a barricade of contact at all times. or guard to prevent unexpected collisions. Lock or Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 41

triPs—trAvel rIsk PlAnnIng systeM As we enter the summer months, many Soldiers are finalizing their travel plans for some much de- served leave. Before hitting the open road, however, leaders must ensure that their soldiers complete a Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) assessment. TRiPS is an online automated risk assessment tool specifically designed for personnel using their privately owned vehicles (POVs) or motorcycles during pass, leave, TDY, or PCS. Since its inception, Army personnel using TRiPS are significantly less likely to be involved in a fatal accident involving a POV. With millions of Army TRAVEL SAFETY assessments completed since the inception of the tool, this is a positive impact on safety. Because it has been so effective in reducing Army fatalities, it was also adopted by all military services. To access TRiPS visit https://safety.army.mil/. nIgHt drIvIng ¶ Most driving is done during the day. Most accidents happen at night. In fact, more than half of all traffic fatalities occur at night. The nighttime death rate based on vehicle miles is nearly three times as great as during the day. We must recognize that night driving presents special hazards. The chief danger, of course, is reduced visibility, but the condition of the vehicle and driver may also create potential problems. Dirty windshields, worn windshield wipers, and dirty, inoperative, or misaligned headlights reduce your vision and can also make your vehicle less visible to others. Driving when you are tired can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Fatigue from lack of sleep, overexertion, or too many hours of steady driving can be disastrous. Because more accidents happen at night, additional precautions should be taken then. They include the following: Prepare your car for night Don’t drink and drive. Not your headlights on. Lights driving. Clean headlights, only does alcohol severely will not help you see better, taillights, signal lights, and impair your driving ability, but they’ll make it easier for windows (inside and out) it also acts as a depressant. other drivers to see you. Be- once a week, more often if Just one drink can induce ing seen is as important as necessary. fatigue. the ability to see. Have your headlights prop- Avoid smoking when you Reduce your speed and erly aimed. Misaimed head- drive. Nicotine and car- increase following distances. lights blind other drivers bon monoxide in cigarette It is more difficult to judge and reduce your ability to smoke hamper night vision. other vehicles’ speed and see the road. distance at night. If you have any doubt during early twilight time, turn42 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

Don’t overdrive your head- If you have car trouble, pull year approximately 50 percent of lights. You should be able to off the road as far as pos- vehicle occupants killed in crashes stop inside the illuminated sible. Warn approaching were not buckled up. Safety belts area. traffic at once by setting save lives, an estimated 15,000 each year. If everyone involved up reflecting triangles near When following another ve- in a fatal crash were wearing their your vehicle and 300 feet be- hicle, keep your headlights seat belts, an additional 5,000 hind it. Turn on flashers and fatalities could be prevented each on low beams so you don’t the dome light. Stay off the blind the driver ahead of year. Tragically, data shows that roadway, and get passengers approximately 25 percent of chil- you. away from the roadway. ¶ dren under age 14 who die in pas- If an oncoming vehicle senger vehicle crashes each year Seat Belt Safety are unbelted. doesn’t lower its beams from According to the National Worn correctly, seat belts reduce the high to low, avoid glare by Highway Traffic Safety Administra- risk of fatal injury by 45 percent for watching the right edge of tion (NHTSA), more Americans are front-seat passenger car occupants the road and using it as a buckling up than ever before, with steering guide. and by 60 percent for pickup truck, 83 percent of vehicle occupants SUV, and minivan occupants. using seat belts during daylight Make frequent stops for Despite a decade of gains in hours. It is estimated that approxi- light snacks and exercise. mately 270 lives are saved for ev- daytime seat belt use, NHTSA If you’re too tired to drive, ery 1 percent increase in seat belt data shows that nighttime belt stop and get some rest. use. Data trends show that each use continues to be much lower, particularly among young drivers. The data shows that approximately 5,000 teen passenger vehicle occupants die in traffic crashes each year. At night, almost 70 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts. U.S. Army Requirement All drivers and passengers in vehicles are required to wear seat belts while traveling on or through military installations. Soldiers are required to wear safety belts at all times in a moving motor vehicle. Seat Belt Facts Seat belts spread impact forces over the entire body. Seat belts stop you gradually, rather than abruptly. Lap and shoulder belts reduce moderate to fatal injuries by 57 percent. The majority of injuries and fatal crashes occur at speeds under 40 mph and within 25 miles of home. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 43

CellulAr PHone use WHIle drIvIng The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the saf- est course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving. DoD policy expressly prohibits vehicle operators on a DoD installation and operators of government-owned vehicles from using cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless they are using a hands-free device. The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices (except for hand-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, the approach of vehicles, and human speech. Along with DoD and the military services, many states have now passed laws that restrict or prohibit cell phone use by drivers. You should also check your state’s traffic laws on this issue, and ensure that you put safety first when using a cell phone. More recently, text messaging has become a common and frequent form of communication for many people. While texting may be cheaper than making a cell phone call, it is definitely not compatible with safe driving. Sending or reading text messages while driving is extremely hazardous for drivers, passengers, and fellow motorists. If you must send or read a text message, be sure to safely park your vehicle before doing so. Many states have passed or are currently considering “text messaging is not allowed while driving” or similar dis- tracted driving laws. ¶ CHIld PAssenger sAFety Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. During 2006 (the latest statistics available), 1,794 children aged 14 and under died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and 184,000 were injured! NHTSA estimates that the use of properly sized and correctly installed child safety seats would reduce these losses by more than half. As children grow, how they sit in your car, truck, or SUV should change. The steps below show how to provide the best protection for children of different ages and sizes.44 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

After selecting an age- and size-appropriate seat, you must install itsecurely. Properly installing the seats can be difficult; random on-the-road checks of child safety seats have found that up to 73 percent of theseats are not securely installed. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s in-stallation instructions, and have the installed seat checked by an expert.Your Garrison Safety Office can inspect the seat installation or direct youto other resources that can perform the inspection. The NHTSA websitecan provide the addresses of organizations in your area that provideinspections of child safety seats. Go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm and enter your zip code to find the closest inspec-tion stations. ¶Wet roAds Summer showers can be tricky. They cause wet roads, soft shoulders,reduced visibility, and mud-splattered lights and windshields. Slipperyroads lengthen stopping distances. The first change to make in yourdriving when it starts to rain is to slow down. Even just a little rain creates considerable hazard. The rainwater mixeswith the oil and grease residue and creates a slippery film on the road.The more it rains, the more this film is going to be washed away—butdon’t wait for this to happen. Slow down as soon as it starts to rain. Be wary of center lines and lane markings—they can be much slickerthan the rest of the road when wet. Take extra care when crossing wetrailroad tracks, which are very slippery. You can’t drive if you can’t see,so make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Keepthe blades clean, and replace worn blades without delay. A combinationof safe driving procedures and properly maintained equipment is yourbest insurance against the hazards of rainy driving. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 45

MotorCyCles Mandatory Training Accidents can be reduced or even prevented by choosing the correct motorcycle and having the proper equipment and training. Riding skills are learned; therefore, attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)-approved course should be the first step for all riders. Motorcycle safety courses are required and provided by U.S. Army installations. All riders must meet the requirements of the MSF-based Basic Rider Course (BRC), which is provided to Soldiers and DoD civil- ians free of charge. Installations may also offer the Experienced Rider Course and Military SportBike Rider Course in addition to the BRC. These additional courses are designed to provide additional safety skills for experienced motorcycle riders. Consult your installation safety office on local classes and policies or to learn more about the Army Traffic Safety Training Program (ATSTP) visit: http://combattingaggressivedriving.com. Required Personal all persons at any time on an Army Protective Equipment installation: To operate a motorcycle on a Operators and passengers military installation, riders are must wear helmets, certified required to wear proper per- to meet DOT standards, that sonal protective equipment (PPE). are properly fastened under Properly fitted and functional PPE the chin. makes riding more comfortable and much safer. High-visibility PPE They must have impact- or is required by the military and pre- shatter-resistant goggles, ferred in all cases. wraparound glasses, or a The Army Safety Program (AR full-face shield properly at- 385-10) requires the following tached to the helmet meet- mandatory PPE ing or exceeding ANSI Safety while operat- Code Z87.1, for impact and ing or riding as shatter resistance. A wind- a passenger on a motorcycle, shield alone is not proper moped, or ATV; eye protection. these rules apply They must wear sturdy foot- to all Army mili- wear, leather boots, or tary personnel at any time, on or over-the-ankle shoes. off a DoD instal- They must wear a long- lation; all Army sleeved shirt or jacket, long civilian personnel in a duty status, trousers, and full-fingered on or off a DoD gloves or mittens designed installation; all for use on a motorcycle. personnel in or For on-road operations, they Basic Riding Gear images courtesy of U.S. Army: on a DoD–owned http://www.eustis.army.mil/safety/MotoInfo.asp motorcycle; and must wear a brightly colored, outer upper garment46 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

during the day and a reflec- must meet the same visibility padded full fin- tive upper garment during requirements of the outer up- gered gloves. the night. Military uniforms per garment. do not meet this criterion. The outer garment must be clear- During off-road operations, ly visible and not covered. operators and passengers Items may be worn on top of must use additional PPE, such the outer garment, but they as knee and shin guards andMotorcycle Safety The first concern of every motorcyclist, especially inexperienced ones,should be safety. According to a study conducted in California, motorcy-clists involved in accidents took no evasive action, or in the few cases wheresomething was done, it was the wrong action. That is why attending a train-ing class is so important. Follow these rules for safe motorcycle operation: If you are a beginner motorcyclist, enroll in a motorcycle training course. Many of the accidents occurring today involve novice riders. If you are not properly trained to correctly react to hazardous or emergency situations, you may never get a second chance. Ride your motorcycle as though you were invisible to other highway users. Chances are the motorist really does not see you. When motorcycles are involved in accidents with automobiles, the automobile driver usually remarks that they never saw the motorcycle. Take positive steps to in- Carry passengers only after Be in top mental condition crease your visibility to you become a thoroughly before operating a motor- other motorists. Keep your experienced rider. cycle. Coordination and headlight on at all times; concentration are essential have your bike, riding Be sure the motorcycle is to safe operation. clothes, and helmet marked legally equipped and main- with light-colored fluores- tained in safe operating Do not lend your bike to a cent or reflective materials. condition. buddy. Many motorcycle Maintain the proper lane accidents occur on borrowed Ride in the left track—that machines. Manufacturers position, and use your is, to the left of the grease directional signals. use different methods of strip in your lane of traffic— mounting controls and con- Maintain a safe following unless you intend to turn trol location is inconsistent distance. Traffic accidents right. The left track position among makes, so not every caused by motorcyclists are assures better visibility and rider will be familiar with usually the result of follow- more evasive escape room, every motorcycle. Also, will ing too closely. The greater and it encourages other your insurance cover possi- the distance between you motorists to pass properly. A ble claims arising from your and the car ahead, the more motorcycle is not permitted borrowed motorcycle’s ac- time you have to react to to share lane position with cident, or could you be held hazards or obstructions in any other vehicle, including criminally liable in case of a the road. another motorcycle. serious accident or injury? Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 47

Observe all traffic laws. The motorcyclist must look for and be prepared to evade other vehicles. Always anticipate the unexpected so you are alert to control any situation that may arise. Rules for Braking Good braking skills are essential for safe riding—General rules for braking are as follows: Rule 1: Use the front brake. This is the brake that does most of the work. Braking confidently, pro- gressively, and hard on the front wheel is a critical skill and should be practiced on a regular basis and under safe conditions. Do this on your own and with a passenger, as the extra weight affects your stopping distance. As you brake, do not stiffen your arms; instead, grip the bike with your legs, leaving your arms free and relaxed. Remember, almost 70 percent of the stopping power is in the front brake. Rule 2: Hard, heavy braking should always be done when the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line. Rule 3: Avoid locking up the wheels. Remember, when it’s two wheels versus four, your skill and know-how are your best—and maybe your only—protection. Shouldn’t you take whatever measures possible to increase your survivability? ¶ MotorCyCle MentorsHIP ProgrAM Inexperienced motorcycle riders are encouraged to join the Motorcy- cle Mentorship Program. The purpose of this program is to establish vol- untary installation-level motorcycle clubs where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment. Such an environment can create positive conduct and behavior and serve as a force multiplier that supports a commander’s program to prevent motorcycle accidents. ¶ drugs, AlCoHol, And MotorCyCles Don’t do it. Is that simple enough? Alcohol and over-the-counter drugs affect your judgment and reaction time. As a rider you cannot afford to be impaired, because bad judgment will get you into trouble, and a slowed reaction time may get you killed. This choice could make or break your riding career. Remember: fun or fatal. ¶48 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

All terrAIn veHICles (Atvs) An ATV is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on low- pressure tires. ATVs are used for both recreation and work. They are fun to drive but can be very dangerous. Training Recreational ATV riders should complete the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America training. The Army Safety Pro- gram (AR 385-10) requires government ATV operators (tac- tical operations) to complete the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America-based course. rules for safe Atv operation Who should drive: Those 12 and older. Typically, children under 12 are un- able to safely operate an ATV, as they have not developed the necessary size, strength, logic, motor skills, and perception. Stability: Although the stability of all ATVs is low, four-wheeled ATVs have better stability than older three- wheeled. What to wear: The Army Safety Program (AR 385-10) PPE requirements for ATVs are the same as for motorcycles (see “Motorcycles,” page 46). During off-road operations, operators and riders must use additional PPE, such as knee and shin guards and padded full-fingered gloves. Where to ride: ATVs are difficult to control on pavement. They are best suited for trails and off-road riding. How to ride: A passenger seriously impairs the driver’s ability to shift weight, steer, and control the vehicle. Most fatal accidents occur after dark and before dawn. Check your lights, slow down, and avoid unfamiliar terrain. Maintain a safe speed and ample distance between vehicles. Use hand signals for stopping, slowing down, and turning. Don’t drive an ATV so fast that you are compro- mising control. Stunt driving should be left to professionals, not recreational ATV operators. ¶ Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring — Summer Safety is Everyone’s Business • Spring -- 49

HOLIDAY SAFETY FIreWorks sAFety Fireworks can be fun, beautiful, and extremely dangerous if used improperly. Certain types of fireworks are illegal for personal use in many locations, so be sure to check your state and local laws, and your installation regulations before purchasing or using any type of fireworks. If you plan to use fireworks, the Consumer Prod- ucts Safety Commission and National Council on Fireworks Safety offer these safety tips. Always read and follow label Comply with local laws and About 57 percent of emer- directions. ordinances. gency room-treated fireworks injuries occur in July, Never give fireworks to small Never reignite malfunction- according to CPSC data. children. ing fireworks. More than half the injuries Have an adult present. If drought conditions are occur at home. present, avoid using fire- Never throw fireworks at works altogether. About 93 percent are treated another person. or examined and released Ignite fireworks outdoors. FIreWorks InjurIes without treatment. According to the CDC and Pre- Never carry fireworks in your The most common injury vention, 31 percent of fireworks- pocket. related injuries involve the hands associated with fireworks is and fingers, 25 percent the eyes, thermal burns, accounting Have water handy. and 20 percent of the head and for about 53 percent. Never shoot them in metal face. Blindness, third-degree Other injury types are bruis- or glass containers. burns, and permanent scarring are es and abrasions (16 per- some of the serious injuries that cent), lacerations (8 percent), Never experiment or at- can result from mishandling fire- foreign bodies (5 percent), tempt to make your own works. Here are some other facts: and punctures (3 percent). fireworks. Since 1968, fireworks fatalities have ranged from 0 to About 40 cases annually Store fireworks in a cool, result in amputation. dry place. 14 per year. Alcohol and fireworks Light one at a time. never mix! ¶50 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business — Summer

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52 Spring -- Summer • Safety is Everyone’s Business

Spring-Summer Safety Brochure - IMCOM Safety Office

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Spring-Summer Safety Brochure - IMCOM Safety Office Document Transcript

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