Did you know?

You are at higher risk of having a clothes dryer fire if you don’t clean your lint filter and dryer vents.

Follow these simple safety tips to prevent a clothes dryer fire in your home.

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
• Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
• Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
• Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.

Click Here to Download Flyer
For more information and free fire-safety resources, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.

Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!

Half of home fire deaths happen between 11pm and 7am, when most people are sleep.

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms.

For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms in your home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Test smoke alarms every month and replace 9-volt smoke alarm batteries at least once every year.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever. Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Your family is not safe if they can’t hear the smoke alarms.
• Some people, especially children and older adults, may need help to wake up. Make sure someone will wake them if the smoke alarm sounds.
• When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your outside meeting place.
• Call the fire department from a cellphone or a neighbor’s phone. Stay outside until the fire department says it’s safe to go back inside.

Download Flyer Here.

How fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.

7 steps to practicing your escape plan.

1. Draw a map of your home. Include all doors and windows.

2. Find thew ways out of every room.

3. Make sure doors and windows are not blocked.

4. Choose an outside meeting place in front of your home.

5. Push the test button to sound the smoke alarm.

6. Practice your drill with everyone in the home.

7. Get outside to your meeting place.

Click Here to Download Escape Plan Grid

Click Here to Download Escape Plan Poster

For more information about escape planning, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov and www.nfpa.org.

Remember to stop when the bus lights are flashing red and follow the rules to keep our students safe! Regardless of where you live, let’s all do our part to ensure students have a safe school year!

When to Stop for School Buses:
• 2-lane roads: All vehicles must stop in both directions.
• 3+ lane roads: Only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
• Turning lanes and medians: Stop if traveling in the same direction as the bus.

It’s important to understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. Fire departments can help with fire extinguisher training and answer questions that community members may have.

Fire extinguishers contain different extinguishing agents such as water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or wet chemical, depending on the kind of fire the extinguisher is intended for.

Did you know:
There are FIVE primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools or other equipment that is plugged into an outlet. Class C fire extinguishers use an

 agent that doesn’t conduct electricity.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on most types of home fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

Remember:

• Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

• Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended that the largest one be selected so that a user can safely and comfortably operate.

• How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.

Contact your fire department if you want fire extinguisher training or have any questions. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers.

Information provided by www.usfa.fema.gov

As summer rolls in and temperatures rise, water activities become a favorite pastime for many. Whether lounging by the pool, heading to the beach, or taking a dip in a lake, ensuring water safety is crucial to preventing accidents and enjoying the season to the fullest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to staying safe around water this summer.

1. Know Your Swimming Abilities

Before diving in:

1. Assess your swimming skills honestly.
2. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow areas and stay within your depth.
3. Consider taking swimming lessons to improve your abilities.

For non-swimmers or those still learning, life jackets are a must for any water activity, including boating and kayaking.

2. Supervise and Be Supervised

Never swim alone. Having a buddy or being in a supervised area is essential, especially for children. Designate a responsible adult to monitor swimmers and avoid distractions like phones or reading materials. Children should always be within arm’s reach of an adult in the water, regardless of their swimming ability.

3. Understand Water Conditions

Different bodies of water come with their own set of risks. Always check weather conditions before heading out. Be aware of rip currents and adhere to any warnings or advisories for beaches. If you’re swimming in lakes or rivers, be cautious of currents, underwater obstacles, and sudden changes in depth.

4. Use Proper Safety Gear

Life jackets, floatation devices, and water safety equipment are vital for preventing accidents. Ensure that life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fit correctly. When appropriate, wear a helmet and other protective gear for activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. Wearing a life jacket in unfamiliar or challenging conditions is a wise choice, even for strong swimmers.

5. Practice Pool Safety

For those using private or public pools, follow these essential safety tips:

• Supervision: Never leave children unattended near or in a pool.
• Barriers: Ensure pools are surrounded by secure fencing with self-latching gates.
• Rules: Follow all posted pool rules and regulations.
• Rescue Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the location of life rings, reaching poles, and first aid kits.

6. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Knowing basic first aid and CPR can significantly impact an emergency. Enroll in courses offered by organizations like the Red Cross to learn these vital skills. Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency services and keep a first aid kit accessible near water.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents in or near water. To maintain full awareness and control, avoid consuming these substances before or during water activities.

8. Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen

Spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration and sunburn. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

9. Learn and Follow Local Guidelines

Each location may have specific safety guidelines based on local conditions. Pay attention to posted signs, and heed advice from lifeguards or local authorities. If you’re vacationing, research the area’s water safety recommendations beforehand.

10. Be Mindful of Wildlife

When swimming in natural bodies of water, be aware of local wildlife. Some areas may have dangerous creatures such as jellyfish, crocodiles, or aggressive fish. Understand the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.

Conclusion

Summer water activities can be a delightful and refreshing way to enjoy the season, but safety must always come first. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and focus on having fun. Remember, a little preparation and vigilance go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer around the water. Dive in responsibly and make the most of the sunny days ahead!